Questions about the 225G

[fgunnr]

I am looking at a 1997 225G w/225 Yamaha and 360 hours on the engine.

The boat is in great condition.

When/why did Grady stop making this boat?

Are there any issues I should know about the boat or engine?

What is a fair price(asking $24,500 without a trailer)?

I was very close to buying($14,900) a 1997 Boston Whaler Dauntless dual console w/175 Mercury when I found this boat.

I am the previous owner of a 1987 Grady SailFish w/200 Yamahas.

The boat is primarily for running the intercoastal with friends and family and some close in trolling or bottom fishing.

All information will be appreciated.

 

[Seafarer228G]

Welcome to the site! Grady never stopped making this boat. They just took away the G...now call just Tournament 225. http://www.gradywhite.com/225/

Maybe someone else here can help you out with the pricing questions.

 

[striped bass]

The "G" in the 225 means the Tournament has a Gill bracket (out drive) to mount the engine. All Grady White Tournament 225s now come with a Gill bracket (I think) so the G was dropped. Look up any Grady White dealer web site and you can see the 2008 version of the 225 (not much hull change by the way except for a small head which is impossible to get in and out of).
Most importantly have a marine surveyor check out the vessel especially with a moisture meter over the hull. A qualified Yamaha mechanic should check out the engine and conduct a leak down test. Water and fuel pumps may need replacement.
A vessel of this vintage will have issues. The Gill bracket can have electrolysis where the engine attaches to the bracket. You may see some corrosion on the powder coat on the back surface of the bracket where the engine is mounted. This will advance if not checked soon. Also examine the trim motor (to starboard of the push rod) on the hydraulic lift mechanisms for corrosion. These issues can occur because the zincs are not replaced on a regular preventive maintenance schedule and the electrolysis takes over. If the electrolysis is not too bad you can sand off the corrosion from the trim motor and spray it with Zinc chromate paint. Over that apply Tempo outboard - stern drive motor paint which comes in Yahama metallic silver. The out drive may have to be scraped and repainted if the corrosion is rampant - not cheap. The hydraulic steering should be thoroughly checked. The fuel tanks and water tanks should be checked as well. The original Apelco GPS and VHF on the 1997 model are very dated and may have to be replaced - the GPS for sure if it is the original. The cushions, if original, are probably dried and cracked and may require replacement - another high ticket item. Ask the owner when the batteries were last replaced.
This is a good boat and lots of fun. If you can identify any issue before purchase that will help with the price.
The $24.5K asking price is a little high for a 1997 225. You definitely will discover issues when you get the boat in your possession so you need financial flexibility on the purchase price for repairs.

 

[BobP]

Get the boat surveyed, they will check the usual things for a fiberglass/wood constructed boat. And a Yamaha mechanic to check out the engine "pre-purchase".